For the first time in five years, no Italian team will represent their country in the Champions League quarter-finals.
AC Milan were the only remaining Serie A club left in the competition. Entering the second leg of their round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid, the Rossoneri were down 1-0. Despite a valiant effort in the first half which nearly saw the seven-time winners claw back into the game, they succumbed to a 5-1 loss on aggregate after falling 4-1 at the Vicente Calderon.
Diego Costa, the man who scored the only goal from the first leg at the San Siro, seemed to have given Atletico the all-important insurance marker after just three minutes. Adil Rami failed to mark the Brazilian-turned-Spanish international, which is a mistake defenders make at their own peril. Costa showed his athleticism by converted the Koke cross whilst airborne with his legs extended. One of them connected with the ball, leaving goalkeeper Christian Abbiati helpless.
Under Massimiliano Allegri, the Milan of old would have most likely folded, sat deep, and countered fast in order to find the equalizer. Since Clarence Seedorf has taken over, it appears as if he’s brought the Diavolo’s old identity back. Instead of absorbing pressure and trying to destroy the opposition from creating chances, they play the role of creators.
Even though they were 1-0 down, Milan utilized that philosophy to the fullest. Andrea Poli nearly replicated Koke’s ball for the opener. Kaka met it with his head and it found the back of the net. The Rossoneri weren’t going away quietly.
The first half closed with a deflected Arda Turan shot. Rami was the scapegoat yet again, although he cannot be blamed for this given that the ball could have ended up anywhere.
The second interval slowed down significantly compared to the first. Neither side had a lot of chances, though the hosts mustered a few to begin the period. Finally Raul Garcia delivered the hammer blow on 70 minutes, by then the match-up appeared done and dusted.
Costa completed his brace around 15 minutes later. That put even more emphasis on Atletico’s gulf in class over their Italian counterparts. Seedorf’s lads gave it a go, but in the end, the intense atmosphere inside the Calderon and the sheer quality of the Spaniards were too much to handle.
Mario Balotelli was silenced as was Adel Taarabt, who’s been a revelation since arriving on loan from QPR. The midfield was overrun by far superior Rojiblancos players as well. The 4-1 score line may have flattered them slightly, but Abbiati’s expression after conceding the final goal was symbolic of the last eighteen months.
The goalkeeper was clearly frustrated with his team’s effort to stop Costa from scoring. In fact, that’s probably what everyone associated with the club feels. Whether it’s a player, coach, director, fan, they all feel the same. They’re fed up with how poor the squad has become.
Atletico may not end up winning the Champions League, but they’re easily one of the best eight teams in the competition and have a strong chance of qualifying for the semi-final. Judging by the two games they played, AC Milan are a far cry from that status.
No matter how good of a tactician Seedorf becomes or brings back the old identity, it’ll mean nothing if the squad isn’t enhanced.
It’ll be tough given the state of the club. Rumours keep percolating that president Silvio Berlusconi is seeking between €150 million and €200 million in new investment. If that’s the case, he’s most likely received the message that the players are mediocre and better talent must be acquired.
Regardless, it’s evident that Milan may have to suffer a while longer before they can even think of qualifying for a Champions League quarter-final, let alone a semi. As of right now, the cash flow isn’t there and it has to be in order for some fresh transfers to come in.
Without it, the Rossoneri won’t improve their results, unless they focus on youth, which they may have to.
This potentially marked Milan’s final major European season for a while. League leaders Juventus have over double the amount of points the Rossoneri have and they’re 20 points behind third place Napoli. The last hope for a European adventure lies in the Europa League, which is eight points out of their grasp.
However, if Milan fail to accomplish that, it’ll be the first time since the 1998/99 season that they haven’t participated in European competition.
